Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) is moving forward with more than $1 billion in capital projects aimed at expanding medical services and strengthening access to high-quality care across southwest Florida. Supported by strong financial ratings and steady patient growth, the health system is investing in new hospitals, upgraded facilities, and expanded rehabilitation centers to meet rising community needs.
One of the most significant developments is the construction of a new $507 million acute-care hospital in North Port. Crews have already begun laying deep foundations for the nine-story facility, which is expected to open in 2028. The hospital will initially include 100 patient beds, with built-in expansion space that could increase capacity to more than 200 beds as demand grows. Officials say the project will mark the first acute-care hospital in North Port and significantly improve healthcare access for residents in the fast-growing region.
SMH is also investing heavily in specialized rehabilitation services. Plans are underway for an $82.5 million rehabilitation facility at its Venice campus. The four-story building will provide both inpatient and outpatient care, focusing on physical recovery and long-term rehabilitation for patients across south Sarasota County. Leaders say the expansion of rehabilitation centers is critical as the population ages and the demand for post-acute services increases…